A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is taking risperidone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
"This medication may increase your blood pressure."
"Flu-like symptoms are an expected adverse effect of this medication."
"Avoid becoming overheated while taking this medication."
"Muscle twitches can occur the first few weeks while taking this medication."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "This medication may increase your blood pressure."
This statement is incorrect. Risperidone is not typically associated with significant increases in blood pressure. One of the potential side effects of risperidone is orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions (e.g., standing up quickly). Therefore, this choice is not the best instruction to include in the teaching.
B. "Flu-like symptoms are an expected adverse effect of this medication."
This statement is incorrect. While risperidone can have side effects, flu-like symptoms are not commonly associated with it. Common side effects of risperidone may include dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and movement disorders. Flu-like symptoms are not a typical adverse effect of this medication.
C. "Avoid becoming overheated while taking this medication."
This statement is correct. Risperidone, like many other antipsychotic medications, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to an increased risk of overheating, especially in hot weather or during vigorous physical activity. Therefore, it's important for patients taking risperidone to be cautious and avoid becoming overheated, as this could potentially lead to heat-related complications.
D. "Muscle twitches can occur the first few weeks while taking this medication."
This statement is incorrect. Muscle twitches are not a common side effect of risperidone. While it's true that some movement disorders can occur with antipsychotic medications, the statement is too specific to muscle twitches and does not accurately reflect the typical side effect profile of risperidone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["1.5"]
Explanation
To calculate the number of clozapine 200 mg tablets needed to administer a total of 300 mg, divide the total dose by the dose per tablet:
300 mg / 200 mg = 1.5 tablets
Since you cannot administer half of a tablet, you would need to administer 2 tablets to achieve a total of 300 mg.
So, the nurse should administer 2 tablets of clozapine 200 mg each to achieve a total dose of 300 mg.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This action might be premature. MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) are a class of antidepressants with specific dietary and medication interactions. They are typically considered when other classes of antidepressants have not been effective. It's important to exhaust other options before considering a switch to MAOIs.
B. Explain that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective:
Explanation: Correct Answer. This is an appropriate response. Antidepressants, including citalopram, can take several weeks to show their full therapeutic effects. It's common for some symptoms to improve before others. Educating the client about the delayed onset of action is important to manage their expectations.
C. Tell the client that the provider will need to change citalopram to a different medication:
Explanation: It might be too early to consider changing the medication after just two weeks, especially since the client reports an improved appetite. Changes in dosage or medication should ideally be discussed with the provider after an adequate trial period.
D. Recommend a sleep study be done on the client:
Explanation: While sleep problems can be associated with depression, it might not be the most appropriate next step based solely on the information provided. It's more important to address the ongoing depressive symptoms before focusing solely on sleep.

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